Santika is a familiar name in Lombok, and indeed across Indonesia, noted for classy hotels and resorts. Now it has upped the ante of the local hospitality scene with the new all-suite Kayana Beach Lombok, located near Pemenang. Overlooking the three Gilis, it is sure to take North Lombok’s boutique villa scene up quite a few notches. Spread out over an expansive swathe of absolute beachfront land, Kayana’s 34 private pool villas set the tone for a luxe hideaway escape. With each unit cocooned within its own private walled garden this is the place for a fashionable A-list beach retreat.

There is a quartet of villa categories to choose from: snazzy Deluxe Villas, Beach Front Villas, Hillside Villas boasting sweeping views across to the Gili Islands, and Duplex Villas. Each type has its own distinctive selling points; for example, the extra dining and lounging space in the Duplex Villa is just the ticket for a social family gathering, while the Hillside haven provides utmost quietude in a secluded spot boasting more than200 square metres of lush living space.

All the accommodations showcase the signature Santika style with flowing, crisp white drapes and dark woods blending with classical rattan fixtures and timeless Indonesian design motifs. It all adds up to classy, uncluttered interiors that go hand-in-hand with a languid, luxury beach resort vibe. Every single villa has a romantic four poster bed and free standing bath tub.

The expansive grounds sit beneath shady coconut trees and offer ample space to find quietude either by the beach or a little private nook within the gardens. On arrival, the inviting main pool presents itself from the lobby. Surrounded by a wide pool deck and an adjacent, well stocked pool bar, this is the main focal point for sun dappled lazy days. Just grab a comfy lounger and sip a smooth cocktail, fresh juice or a grab a light bite to eat. Just beyond the pool, the sandy shore and azure waters await beneath the shade of yet more coconut trees. The main resort lobby building has a unique design concept with subtle hints of art deco alongside contemporary tropical style. Throughout the resort intricate wood carvings and art pieces are displayed. There is also a buggy service ready to whisk you from the lobby to your private villa.

The Blues Restaurant is the all-day dining venue perched on the hill, commanding sweeping ocean views across to the Gilis. It serves as the social hub for quality dining, drinks, snacks and sundowners.  There is an outdoor lounging area ideal for al fresco socialising, or perhaps an intimate private gathering. Adjacent is the luxury spa for blissful body treatments after a day baking under the sun. The maxim at Kayana Beach Lombok is luxury lazy days of relaxation within an exclusive beachfront retreat and that is exactly what they aspire to provide. Yet guests with a little more energy to burn can tap the resort staff to arrange cycling, snorkelling and island hopping trips around the Gilis, and more.

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